Seein' Things That I May Never See Again. . .

It's fairly common knowledge that I sometimes act like I don't have good sense. Case in point was this road trip. I thought it would be a good idea to drive to New Mexico, then work my way back home, calling on customers along the way.

As my Sweetie would say, In theory. . .seemed like a good idea. My motives were pure, though: It was a good way to see my more far-flung customers. And, I could see a bit of the Southwest. In theory, it was a win-win situation.

The reality is that no one with good sense -- and who knows they don't like to drive -- would have undertaken this! It was a terminally long drive -- over 2500 miles -- through some very desolate parts of the Southwest. But, that's really the only thing I can complain about.

If you ever have the option of taking Interstate 40 -- which stretches from Barstow, CA to Wilmington, SC -- DON'T!!

Whatever Plan B is, is probably a better option, even if it adds some miles to your trip. Interstate 40 is one dark, desolate, highway. It is bordered by nothing on either side for long stretches and runs through some very, very small towns. Maybe, as you head East, it becomes more populated and well lit, but not so much along the portion we traveled.

Having said that. . .

At the suggestion of a colleague, I decided the best strategy would be to drive out to the furthest destination and work my back. My Sweetie decided he would make the drive out to New Mexico with me, then fly home. Oooh, I just love that man!

We departed for Flagstaff, AZ and the Grand Canyon. Can you believe my Sweetie has never seen the Grand Canyon?! It was a whopping 34 degrees Farenheit when we arrived. My Sweetie swore he wasn't cold, except for his hands. Well, my hands, and everything else was freezing, and I was properly dressed. After snapping a few photos, we quickly left.

The next day, it was a sunny 50 degrees when we re-visited the Grand Canyon. This time, we were able to get lots of pictures and enjoy walking along the trails, a bit. We were smart enough to bring the tripod for the camera, so we could actually be in the same photo without having to ask strangers for help. But, we happily snapped pictures of other tourists.

When we arrived in Santa Fe, NM, we briefly visited with some friends. We had lunch at a great little place (actually, it's a feed store) where I had the most delicious chicken and green chile lasagna. They had turkeys, peacocks, and roosters all over the property. The turkeys didn't look the least bit worried, despite Thanksgiving being only a week away.

On the way to visit customers, I was shocked to see the rush hour traffic between Santa Fe and Albuquerque at 7:30 a.m. There's more traffic on my street!

Another astonishing thing about New Mexico was the beautiful, starry, sky. Sadly, city dwellers, like myself, see way too many cars on the highway and not nearly enough stars in the sky

New Mexico is were my Sweetie and I parted ways. He flew back home while I began calling on my customers throughout the Southwest.

Late in the afternoon -- too late, in retrospect -- I began the 6 hour drive to Phoenix, AZ. Thank goodness I actually like country music -- there's not much else playing on the radio. When even that signal gave out, I switched to books on tape. My time in Arizona ended with me having a breakfast meeting with a colleague at Matt's Big Breakfast, a place featured on one of my favorite Food Network Shows. The Eggs Benedict were delish and the hashbrowns were hot and crispy! Well worth the $12, including coffee!

On the drive to Las Vegas I made a few must-stops. It's not an "official" Road Trip, if you don't stop at a Cracker Barrell. Part of the fun is rocking in one of the chairs on the porch. When we lived in St. Louis, CJ and I ate here at least twice a month. If you're looking to add a signed guitar-shaped iron skillet to your Alan Jackson memorabilia collection, this is the place for you!

Just before hitting Boulder City, I had to stop for my first look at Hoover Dam. I didn't realize it was right on the border between Nevada and Arizona. Just as you reach the other side of the dam, you cross the state line.

Now, you know, What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, so I can't tell you much about what I did here. But, I can tell you this much: I had a great steak dinner and Martini! I can still hear the sizzle!

By the time I was done in Las Vegas, this lil' duck was ready to waddle home! Sightseeing throughout the Southwest was great, but I missed home -- my Sweetie, my son, my friends, and my bed! Sleeping in one's own bed is truly an under-rated luxury.

For now, I think I've had my fill of Road Trips, but then again, I hear the Oregon Coast is beautiful in the Spring. . .